Why Hybrid Vehicles Need a Specialized Mechanic
Why Hybrid Vehicles Need a
Specialized Mechanic
Hybrid
vehicles do not belong to the future anymore, they are already here.
As of now, there are many hybrids on the road and their numbers will
only increase in time. However, some mechanics have a strong dislike
toward these vehicles and don’t want to work on them. The repair
and maintenance work, involved in a hybrid or electric car, is
different than that of a regular automobile. That’s why hybrid
owners have to be careful when looking for the right mechanic for the
job.
What
Makes a Hybrid Different?
In
the internal combustion of a non-hybrid vehicle, when you turn off
the ignition, the vehicle is off. Yes, the battery still has a
connection, but the engine of the vehicle isn’t going to power up
mid-service. You’ll have to unhook the battery to be able to work
on it or the related systems. Apart from that, there’s no real
danger in the vehicle’s power/electrical operation.
A
hybrid car has a motive battery that is way more powerful than a
standard car battery. Moreover, it is designed to kick on by itself,
when needed, during vehicle operation. For mechanics, all of this can
be very dangerous. Here are some of the biggest issues:
- The engine of the hybrid may still interact with the battery’s use, even after you’ve taken out the key from the ignition. If a mechanic is not aware of this and does not disconnect all power and batteries beforehand, they could cause some serious damage to the car.
- The electrical systems of hybrids are high-voltage and usually require the use of thick, insulated gloves to ensure a safer repair. There’s a high risk of electrical shock when working on these vehicle, therefore, it’s a must to have a trained professional attending to the needs of your hybrid car.
The
Maintenance is Often the Same
In
general, there’s no special maintenance needed for a hybrid
vehicle. It’s recommended by most manufacturers that hybrid owners
should stick to dealership service since there’s no independent
training available for any hybrid makes or models, as of yet.
However, you have more options available than just the dealership
service. Most routine maintenance and repair services can still be
performed on hybrid vehicles by ASE-certified mechanics. The only
exceptions, which require advanced training, include the drive train,
brake system, and electrical system.
What
Should You Do?
Your
best option is to rely on an independent automotive shop that hasexperience in working with hybrids since training on these specific
vehicles is still limited. Don’t hesitate to ask a mechanic about
their experience with hybrid cars and what kind of certifications
regarding to general vehicle repair, does the shop have.
Bear
in mind that at the moment, there’s no clear certification or
licensing for hybrid repair and maintenance. If a repair shop claims
to possess such type of licensing, be sure that they’re lying to
you. For any type of repair, it’s important to have ASE-certified
mechanics, but you should not forget that this certification is
general and all independent auto shops should have it. Lastly, make
sure the shop guarantees all of the work they do on your hybrid.
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